ALL SCI-FI

Bud Brewster · Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 2:46 pm Post subject: Alien (1979)

Certainly one of the most respected sci-fi movies ever made, but not really one of the best in my own opinion — if you'll forgive a dissenting opinion presented with respect.

The sequel fixed the problem with the basic concept that I felt lessened this film's impact — the absence of characters who ranged from truly admirable to truly despicable, some of whom we really hoped would survive, and others we hoped would not survive, depending on their nature.

This movie didn't quite work for me for the same reason the remake of "The Thing from Another World" failed to win my movie-loving heart.

I know, I know — the characters were "realistic" in both "The Thing" and "Alien", and I'm obviously complaining that they weren't a bit more on the villains-and-heroes side, like Cameron gave us in "Aliens".

But let's be honest, Ripley was pretty much Ripley in both versions, and I love her character in both movies. We just get to know her a little better in the sequel, and we like her even more because of this.

In the final analysis, comparisons are actually unfair (that old apples-and-oranges idea), so it all comes down to what floats your space-going lifeboat, eh?
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

Rocky Jones · Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 3:32 pm Post subject:

You make a good point about apples and oranges. This is a rare thing with sequels. Usually a sequel ends up being a slightly rearranged remake. Alien and Aliens were both excellent films, but essentially of different genres. Alien was a scary monster horror film for the most part while Aliens was a straight up sci-fi action adventure.

I've always been kind of careful talking about Alien since so many people revere it but I have to admit my initial impression was that it was sort of second rate, too. I had spent a lot of time studying Alfred Hitchcock's work and I could see a lot of aspects Ridley Scott had borrowed from the master. Of course all art draws on something else before it and Alien certainly opened the quality suspense film concept to a new audience after Hitch was gone.

I'll have to admit I've never considered the characters as you did. It always seemed to me they're purpose was to keep us guessing who would get it next and it seemed to do a pretty good job of that.

orzel-w · Galactic Ambassador Joined: 19 Sep 2014 Posts: 1865

Beneath all the other influences, Alien was essentially It! The Terror from Beyond Space all fancied up.
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WayneO
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Bud Brewster · Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 4:36 pm Post subject:

Rocky Jones · Posted: Wed May 27, 2015 11:55 am Post subject:

I thought the ending of Alien was one of it's strongest features. This was well before every half-a$$ed horror flick made had to have a "guess what" ending.

If you ever watch any of the silly monster-of-the-week movies on SyFy, you instantly know who's going to get it and how graphically just from how they look and act. The annoying blonde chick is always doomed to dismemberment.

Bud Brewster · Posted: Wed May 27, 2015 1:26 pm Post subject:

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The first time I saw the second Jurassic Park movie and the scene in which the courageous little bald guy tried to save the people in the trailer from the T-Rex's, I cheering for that guy like crazy.

Then the two T-Rex's made a wishbone out of him, and it spoiled the movie for me. It was bad idea to make us love a character . . . and then rip him in half.
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

Rocky Jones · Posted: Wed May 27, 2015 11:14 pm Post subject:

ralfy · Mission Specialist Joined: 23 Sep 2014 Posts: 473

Great movie, and a significant improvement compared to similar ones in the past given atmosphere and set design.

ralfy · Mission Specialist Joined: 23 Sep 2014 Posts: 473

Typography in the film:

http://typesetinthefuture.com/alien/

ralfy · Mission Specialist Joined: 23 Sep 2014 Posts: 473

"Alien Day: Everything to Keep Watch for During the 24-Hour Fan Celebration"

http://collider.com/alien-day-2016/

Bud Brewster · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:45 pm Post subject:

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Uh, I think I heard somebody say, "Bud, you should post the trailer on Youtube here!"

What a wonderful idea, Somebody! Thanks!

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__Alien Trailer HD (Original 1979 Ridley Scott Film)

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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

Robert (Butch) Day · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 10:01 pm Post subject:

Everyone had a laugh at the world premiere of ALIEN when I told Charles Lippincott (the publicist) after the showing:

"it looks like you've made the first big-budget sci-fi porno film."

His reaction was a puzzled look on his face. So I elaborated:

"After all, the creature only wanted to have sex to continue it's species."

THAT got everyone laughing. And it did what I wanted: defusing the uneasy feeling left at the end of the picture for such deadly creatures.

By-the-way; ALIEN is actually easy to kill. Anything that acidic would die of exposure to any alkaline — such as laundry soap.
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Common Sense ISN'T Common

Eadie · Galactic Ambassador Joined: 14 Dec 2013 Posts: 1670

Happy anniversary!

Eadie · Galactic Ambassador Joined: 14 Dec 2013 Posts: 1670

Found this on eBay.

Does this bit of merchandising seem creepy to you?

Bud Brewster · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 3:28 pm Post subject:

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Creepy to say the least! I wouldn't reach into that jar for love or money! Something might jump out and grab my face. Very Happy

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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)